BindToRenderStep doesn't work on a server-side script during online game-play

Help and Feedback Scripting Support
1

After running into a consistency issue with RunService:BindToRenderStep between online game-play and studio server game-play, I decided to test RunService:BindToRenderStep and RunService.RenderStepped with some simple functions that simply print a line to the console.

I discovered that RunService:BindToRenderStep…

  • works fine when in a local script on the client’s side, regardless of whether I’m online or in studio
  • works fine when in a script on the server’s side when testing in a server in studio
  • does NOT work when in a script on the server’s side when playing online, and gives no errors

I discovered that RunService.RenderStepped…

  • works fine in a local script on the client’s side
  • gives the error, “RenderStepped event can only be used from local scripts” when in a script on the server’s side

So I’m guessing my issue is the error in the last bullet point is true, and that’s my problem. However, I was completely unaware this was the case and the fact that BindToRenderStep worked on the server-side in studio led me to believe that I wasn’t doing anything wrong.

So I have a few questions…
Why can’t RenderStepped be used server side?
Why does BindToRenderStep still work in a studio test server in a server script?
Why doesn’t BindToRenderStep give an error when it doesn’t work online in a server script?
Is there an alternative to BindToRenderStep that I can use server-side?

1 Like
2

You can’t utilise the BindToRenderStep function from the server because the RenderStepped event fires when a frame is rendered on the client.

Play solo doesn’t represent an accurate client and server relationship/build, which is why you’re getting mixed results. You can change this by ticking Settings → Studio → Accurate Play Solo or by launching test sessions within studio (simulates client/server build).

Why are you trying to use BindToRenderStep on the server? I am positive there is a better alternative.

5 Likes
3

Use Heartbeat on the server instead.

Edit: What @byc14 said is documented on the RenderStepped event, but not the BindToRenderStep method for some reason (it probably should be noted there too):

2 Likes
4

Interesting, since when could Heartbeat be used on the server? I just checked and that is indeed the current functionality however the devhub directly contradicts this.

5

Weird. The devhub is wrong. I’ve been using Heartbeat server-side for a few years. I’ll make a post to get that corrected.

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6

Figured, I was just in the process of doing so. Feel free to make the thread, you learn something every day lol.

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7

I wasn’t using play solo. I was using the server and player test functionality in studio.

8

You’re right, that is strange however don’t rely on it, I’m pretty sure it isn’t intended plus it won’t work outside of your studio testing environment.

I recommend you submit a bug report detailing the current behavior with a repo attached.

9

There’s no BindToHeartBeat or UnbindFromHeartBeat method though. I would like to be able to bind and unbind the function as it doesn’t always need to run.

10

It’s a RBXScriptSignal, so connecting to it returns a connection object, that you can disconnect:

local connection = game:GetService("RunService").Heartbeat:Connect(function()
    print("Running...")
end)

wait(3)

connection:Disconnect()
-- will stop printing now
2 Likes
11

oh right… forgot that was a thing. I hadn’t done any development on roblox for a couple years prior to a few months ago, so some things are still lost in the forgotten land of my brain.

12

Roblox Studio is using a new version of Play Solo which uses a server/client model similar to the existing Start Server / Start Player modes. If you’re running something in a server script and expect it to run as a LocalScript in Play Solo, this will no longer work correctly.

1 Like
13

I ran into this in 2024; same wacky unexpected behavior. took me wayy to long to debug lol

Definitely needs some sort of error or warning by now,;
even with multiple years of experience on and off the platform, I still spent all night thinking Studio was gaslighting and going crazy on me :rofl:

1 Like